Edwin Keith "Banjo" Matthews, (February 14, 1932-October 2, 1996) was a former NASCAR driver from Asheville, NC. He competed in fifty-one NASCAR Cup Series events.
Driver[]
Matthews was never a top contender in the circuit, but always one of the most popular drivers during his career. In his fifty-one starts, Matthews earned four top-five, thirteen top-tens and three poles.
In 1960, Matthews earned a career-high four top-ten finishes in twelve starts and finished 10th in the points, his only appearance in the top tier of the standings. Meanwhile, his best career outing came in 1962 at Atlanta Motor Speedway. Matthews won the pole, led 73 laps and earned a runner-up showing.
Following a 17th place finish at Charlotte in 1963, Matthews retired from NASCAR competition to focus on building NASCAR cars.
Car builder[]
He became a NASCAR car builder, first for Holman Moody before starting his own shop called Banjo's Performance Center. He built cars that won all 30 races in 1978.